New Dem Specter Votes No On Obama's Budget

It didn't take long for Sen. Arlen Specter to let his new colleagues in the Democratic Party know that his vote won't be taken for granted.

A day after abandoning the Republican Party for the Democrats, saying the latter better represented his political philosophy, Specter voted against President Obama's budget -- which he and other Democrats have described as a manifestation of the party's political philosophy.

Specter was greeted warmly by his new fellow party members on his way into the chamber.

"Welcome," said Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), extending his hand when he saw Specter exit the elevator.

Specter was joined in his opposition to the president by the entire GOP. Not a single Senate Republican voted to support the budget. Sen. Ben Nelson, a conservative Democrat from Nebraska, also voted no. It passed 53-43.

Ryan Grim is the author of the forthcoming book This Is Your Country On Drugs: The Secret History of Getting High in America

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Comments

[ProudlyConservative42]

I love it. Congratulations on the great pick up, libs.

[babyboomerorig]

Thanks....and we appreciate another critical thinker.

[stell]

This is another Lieberman. If your ex cheated on their boyfriend/­girlfriend­, why wouldn't they do the same to you?

[PaceSetter]

So he president would give "full support" to Arlen Specter even over a REAL Dem like freshman Rep. Joe Sestak, a Pennsylvania Democrat and retired Navy officer who is considering a potential run at Specter's Senate seat.

so getting played...

Also on Tuesday afternoon, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee blasted out a fundraising email headlined, "Arlen Specter Switches Parties," and declaring it "a great day for all of us who want to help bring real, lasting change to this country."

Specter - Change we can believe in?

[richinkle]

If he keeps this up, I think his chance of being nominated by the Democrats in 2010 is probably slimmer than being nominated by the Republicans. He was the only "Democrat" from a solidly blue state to vote against the Obama budget. This kind of voting history makes him all but useless to Democrats. He'd better start walking the walk, or a strong Democratic opponent in 2010 will end his political career once and for all.

[somsoc]

We can only hope.

[dollyfedup]

I agree that Arlen has to be careful how he votes or he will not get support from democrats. But, like I said, it's okay for him to not abandon his original principles. It would make him look opportunistic, hypocritical, and just trying to "kiss up" to the party in power.

He's already getting alot of backlash for his switch so he has to be careful not to vote on everything the democrats want him too.

[petphotos]

The man thinks for himself. Thus the party change and voting the way he feels. Something he was not allowed with the rethugs.

[Centaur]

Is it too late to give him back?

[cal5000]

It passed, who cares if Spector voted for it.

60 votes is a procedural issue for cloture. Spector can be used to keep bills moving through committee and he can still vote against EFCA in the actual up and down votes.

Learn how government actually works people!

[ermeni]

doesn't Specter look like the Cowardly Lion from Wizard of Oz?
His mouth folds really look like the cowardly lion. Do you guys see it? or is it me?

[alguien]

the cowardly lion was cute.

[Hilodave]

Calm down, this vote was in the bag......he's establishing his middle of the road independence. Good bet he'll be there when the President needs him on the crucial issues.

[Paul Roberts]

Hes still high from the stuff they put in his TEA

[Marie62866]

If Spector does not support the unions and card check he will lose the democratic primary also! If he thinks we are stupid, he is sadly mistaken!

[Daniboy]

The big tent Dem party-we don't want Specter or the Blue Dogs-either support Obama 100% of the time or get out! You must BELIEVE-the Messiah is always right.

[flatus]

It stings a little, eh, daniboy?

[felisa11]

You all need to calm down. Specter has his uses. We wait and watch him.
If we are happy come net year, we will support him. If not, we know what to do.

Stop sweating small stuff.

[bascombe]

now we see what party politics is - a goddamned game.

[nogoody2shoes]

Took only 2 days , to show Specter is wolf in sheep clothing. Dem should never trust him. Go back to Republican party, that is where he belongs.

[LarrytheTAR]

Keep him.

[flatus]

A sheep's clothing.... wool, you reckon?

[ProudlyConservative42]

Please keep him.